As part of the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletics Department's continuing community service efforts, eight Seawolf student-athletes took part last week in the Central Middle School career fair.

The student-athletes - representing UAA's volleyball and men's and women's basketball teams - participated in four breakout sessions. They discussed the importance of academics and its role in allowing an opportunity to play collegiate sports.

"There was very positive feedback between the middle-school students and our student-athletes," said UAA assistant men's basketball coach Ryan Orton, who helped organize the volunteer effort. "During the question-and-answer sessions, you could really see a connection that served as a growing experience for everyone."

The primary purpose of the career fair is to present middle-school students with many pathways to various occupations.